Schumer to meet with Hagel

1/13/13 10:21 PM EST

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is expected to return to Washington this week for a crucial meeting with Chuck Hagel ahead of his confirmation proceedings to become the next secretary of defense, according to a person familiar with the planning.

The meeting will mark an important first step for Hagel to assuage concerns Schumer and other senators have raised over the nominee's positions on Israel. If Hagel can begin to alleviate the concerns raised by Schumer, a hawkish Jewish Democratic leader, it would ease the path for his confirmation by the Senate.

Hagel has already begun calling senators on the Armed Services Committee, which will hold hearings over his nomination in the coming weeks. Schumer does not sit on the panel but will still be one of the first senators to meet with him one-on-one, underlining the importance of his vote.

The former Nebraska GOP senator has publicly said he would be a staunch advocate of Israel, but his past comments and positions, some of them about Hamas and Iran, have prompted concerns among pro-Israel groups and senators.